Iran calls Lindsey Graham’s political legacy ‘one of hostility’

TEHRAN: Iran has issued a sharply worded response following the reported death of US Senator Lindsey Graham, accusing the veteran American lawmaker of promoting confrontation and hostility throughout his political career.

In an official statement, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Ismail Baghaei said the Iranian people could not be expected to mourn a politician whose public positions, he claimed, were rooted in threats, pressure and military confrontation.

“Our people cannot grieve for someone whose political outlook was built on aggression, coercion and intimidation,” Baghaei said. He further described Graham’s political legacy as one that reflected “hostility and conflict,” underscoring Tehran’s longstanding criticism of the senator’s foreign policy views.

The comments came a day after US media reported the sudden death of Graham at the age of 71. The Republican senator had long been one of Washington’s most outspoken voices on national security, advocating a tough approach toward Iran while maintaining strong support for Israel and a robust US role in the Middle East.

Throughout his career, Graham consistently backed sanctions on Iran and frequently called for firm action against Tehran’s regional activities and nuclear ambitions. His positions made him a frequent target of criticism from Iranian officials.

Iranian state media also reacted strongly to the news. According to local reports, some presenters on state television openly expressed satisfaction over Graham’s passing during Sunday broadcasts, reflecting the deep political divisions between Tehran and the veteran US lawmaker.

The exchange comes at a time of heightened tensions between Iran and the United States, with both countries locked in an increasingly volatile confrontation over regional security and military activity in the Middle East.

Political analysts say Tehran’s unusually blunt remarks highlight the depth of hostility that has defined relations between the two countries in recent years. They note that public statements surrounding the death of such a prominent American politician are likely to reinforce existing diplomatic tensions rather than ease them.

While Graham’s death marks the end of a decades-long career in US politics, the strong reaction from Tehran underscores how influential his foreign policy positions remained in shaping perceptions beyond Washington. His legacy, particularly on Iran, is expected to remain a point of debate in both American and Middle Eastern political circles.